A special BTCC Edition of the MG6 is being launched to celebrate the car's successful return to the nation's premier saloon car racing series.

The MG6 GT BTCC Edition was previewed at the final round of the 2012 MSA Dunlop British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch where MG's Jason Plato clinched third place in the series after taking the chequered flag six times during the season.

Features on the road-going version include a matt black roof, 18-inch alloy wheels with black gloss sills, door mirror covers, lower front air dam, rear bumper and rear spoiler and the choice of Arctic White or Union Blue paint finishes for £16,995.

A BTCC badge adorns the front grille and there are MG KX Momentum Racing team decals on the bonnet extension, front doors and wings behind the new chrome wing vent while there are BTCC Edition graphics on the sills and on the passenger facia.

Power is via a 160PS 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 120mph.

Standard kit includes sat-nav, sports front seats, 18-inch performance tyres, electronic hill hold function, power folding electrically heated exterior mirrors, tyre monitoring system, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, cruise control, CD audio with USB and auxiliary inputs for MP3/Ipod connectivity plus a leather multifunction steering wheel.

But despite its sporting credentials, the car still boasts a class-leading boot and rear folding seats which together provide an impressive 1,379-litre cargo capacity.

Buyers who snap up the BTCC Edition before the end of the year also receive a pair of VIP tickets to a 2013 race with a full hospitality package, including a grid walk and pit lane experience, and an MG KX Momentum team jacket and hat.

MG's sales & marketing chief Guy Jones said: "It has been a great first season for MG and the team and the BTCC Edition is designed to celebrate our return to top level motorsport.

"The MG6 BTCC Edition turns heads and delivers a great road-going driving experience at a price position that offers outstanding value for money. The class leading 14E insurance group makes this compelling new package available to a wide range of drivers."